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The displaying of supposed witchcraft

By John Webster
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History - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)Philosophy & EthicsReligion/Spirituality

About This Book

The author challenges prevailing popular accounts of witchcraft by arguing that many reported phenomena stem from fraud, melancholic temperament, or superstition rather than any corporeal league with the devil. He distinguishes active impostors from passively deluded individuals, advises magistrates and physicians to examine motives, conditions, and natural explanations, and rejects claims of diabolic intercourse or metamorphosis while treating the existence of angels, apparitions, astral spirits, charms, and philters. The work blends case observation, theological and philosophical reasoning, and practical guidance for legal and medical handling of alleged witchcraft.

About the Author

Webster, John portrait

John Webster

John Webster was a prominent English playwright of the early 17th century, best known for his dark and complex tragedies. His most famous works include "The Duchess of Malfi," a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge set against a backdrop of political intrigue, and "The White Devil," which explores themes of corruption and moral decay. Webster's writing is characterized by its rich language and psychological depth, often delving into the darker aspects of human nature. His contributions to the genre of Jacobean drama have solidified his place in the literary heritage of England, making him a significant figure in the study of early modern theatre.

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